The youth of One Family Illinois have been using their creativity and gaining skills in the kitchen with Swissôtel Chicago.
Swissôtel Chicago Launches a Culinary Development Program
Last spring, our friends at Swissôtel Chicago invited a group of our 8th-12th graders for a career day. One of the highlights of that day involved spending time in the kitchen and learning techniques and recipes from Chef Dan.
This spurred the interest of one of the young men in attendance who has professional aspirations to be a pastry chef. In support of the young men and women in our Villages who have interest in career opportunities in the culinary world, and to encourage all youth to develop cooking skills, this year Swissôtel Chicago held a Culinary Development Program for the youth of One Family Illinois.
Over the course of three workshops in February, six of our youth had the opportunity to learn from some of the best hotel industry chefs in Chicago. Under the guidance of one of these amazing chefs, participants learned, in groups of two, how to prepare everyday go-to snacks, knife-cutting techniques, how to use various kitchen tools and equipment, make soups and stocks, and prepare a full meal.
Setting Our Youth on the Path to Success
It is truly a priority of our mission and our work in the Villages to help each young person in our care aspire to and achieve his or her dreams. With corporate partners like Swissôtel Chicago, we can help them gain the skills and experience they need to be self-sufficient and thrive.
We are grateful to all those involved at Swissôtel Chicago in launching and bringing this opportunity to the young men and women of One Family Illinois. We look forward to future opportunities for learning and development and working together to support our youth on their journeys.